2025 ASSE International Annual Meeting Recaps

The 2025 ASSE International Annual Meeting, co-located with IAPMO and ARCSA International, was held Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Friday, Sept. 19 at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel in sunny (and hot) Palm Springs, CA. Prior to the in-person Annual Meeting, a few virtual meetings were held as well. From technical committees for our professional certification programs to industry forums for our listed manufacturers to networking events for all, attendees from across the country came together to get some work done, add to their knowledge, celebrate colleague achievements, and have some fun.

For those who couldn’t attend, or those who’d like an overview of what we accomplished, below are brief recaps of each meeting and event, along with some select photos. To see even more, visit our 2025 ASSE International Annual Meeting Flickr album at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCxxZk.

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Each morning of the 2025 ASSE International Annual Meeting began with a Breakfast Buffet, sponsored by our friends at Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16.

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Saturday, September 5

Product Standards Committee Meeting (Virtual)
The Product Standards Committee held its meeting online before the in-person Annual Meeting in Palm Springs. Chris White provided a detailed review of the ASSE certification program, followed by Terry Burger’s update on ASSE product standards.

Since the 2025 ASSE Mid-Year Meeting, three standards were published with new revisions, 11 were reaffirmed, nine are currently under revision, and six are queued to be opened for revision. The committee also requested that the Board of Directors approve nine more standards for reaffirmation and open ASSE 1017 (Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves for Hot Water Distribution Systems) for revision.

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Thursday, September 11

Seal Control Board Meeting  (Virtual)
The Seal Control Board (SCB) meeting was also held online prior to the in-person Annual Meeting. Chair Brianne Hall called the meeting to order at 11:34 a.m. SCB membership was discussed, and updates on the standards and Product Listing programs were presented by Terry Burger and Chris White. Listing program activities have significantly increased over the past four years. Brianne Hall and Jaime Valdivia were nominated for SCB Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively. The session also included training by Sean Cleary on “The Importance of Correct Non-Testable Device Installation and Selection.”

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Wednesday, September 17

ASSE First Timers Breakfast
First-time attendees were welcomed with a delicious breakfast and an overview of the week’s meetings and events. John Higdon, P.E., ASSE/IAPMO Director of Standards Development, shared insights about ASSE’s history, the role of working groups, and the types of standards ASSE develops. He also explained ANSI’s involvement, standard designations, and how attendees can help shape a draft into an official ANSI standard.

Manufacturers’ Forum
Exclusively for ASSE-listed product manufacturers, this forum included updates on standards, certifications, and codes. A Q&A session allowed participants to engage directly with ASSE and IAPMO staff. Marcus Estrella was nominated to serve as the new ASSE Manufacturers’ Representative.

Co-Located Companion Conference T-Shirt Decorating Station
Co-located companions of ASSE, IAPMO, and ARCSA Conference attendees brought their creativity and decorated their own conference t-shirts. All supplies were provided and attendees were able to bring home a personalized keepsake while connecting with other companions.

EJ Zimmer Technical Seminar #1:
“Heat Pump Water Heaters: Functionality, Installation, and Inspection Essentials,” presented by Gregg Holladay
Attendees of this seminar learned about the essentials of heat pump water heaters. Topics included how these systems work, best practices for installation, and critical inspection procedures that plumbing inspectors should follow to ensure compliance and optimal performance.

IAPMO/ASSE/ARCSA Co-Located Companion Program
The Companion Program began with a calming Reiki Sound Bath led by Betty Colombo, wife of ASSE Vice President Dana Colombo. The afternoon included a custom fragrance-making class, where participants blended their own signature scents to take home.

EJ Zimmer Technical Seminar #2:
“Firestop Protection and Compliance,” presented by Brent Johnson
Participants gained an in-depth understanding of firestop protection, including code requirements, test standards, and practical applications. The seminar linked these concepts to the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) and Chapter 14 of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

ASSE President’s Luncheon/Government Relations Update
Hosted by ASSE International President Vincent Gallo IV, attendees enjoyed an Italian-inspired lunch (cannolis included!) while Dain Hansen and Jim Scarborough of the ASSE/IAPMO Government Relations team provided updates on public policy initiatives at the federal and local levels.

Business Session #1
The first Business Session included year-end reports from ASSE International’s officers, directors, chapters, and committees, along with nominations for the upcoming year’s Board of Directors.

Membership Committee
The committee reviewed improvements to the Members Only portal, including new downloadable resources like the Plumbing Dictionary. Plans for an auto-pay feature, launching in early 2026, were discussed to simplify membership renewals.

A unified slide presentation for members is in development, with select sections shared for feedback. The committee also explored ways to make webinars and engagement videos more accessible and announced upcoming video releases from the Mid-Year Meeting, starting with the topic of Med Gas.

Al Cohen Memorial Chapter Presidents’ Liaison Conference
The Al Cohen Memorial Presidents’ Liaison Conference followed shortly after the Membership Committee meeting. This session focused on supporting chapters, including providing monthly rosters, updating chapter sites, sending meeting emails, and assisting with starting or reviving chapters. The discussion included adding chapter president emails to the website for easier member access. The current dues refund structure was reviewed with no changes requested.

The next major event is the ASSE International Mid-Year Meeting, scheduled for April 14-15, 2026, at Local 562 Training Center in St. Louis, MO.

IAPMO/ASSE/ARCSA Co-Located Evening Outing
The IAPMO/ASSE/ARCSA Co-Located Evening Outing was held at the Palm Springs Air Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of static and flyable aircraft from WWII through the War on Terror. Inside the expansive Korea and Vietnam Hanger, attendees helped themselves to food and drinks while a 1940s WWII-style “big band” ensemble performed. Outside the hanger, attendees were free to walk the runway, watch planes take off from the neighboring airport, and check out the 70-plus aircraft in the museum’s collection, including a newly acquired F-117A Nighthawk “Black Devil” stealth plane.

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Thursday, September 18

Cross-Connection Control (5000) Technical Committee
The committee approved the agenda and minutes from April 2025, then received a regulatory update highlighting ASSE’s recognition in California. Updated guidelines are nearly complete, with plans to distribute to schools by early 2026. A new school application allows simultaneous application for Backflow Tester and Backflow Repairer programs. The ASSE website has been enhanced with clearer guidance for certification and becoming an ASSE Approved School. Updates on certification and examination statistics were provided, and plans are underway to form a proctor training subcommittee.

Fire Protection (15000/27000) Technical Committee
The Fire Protection Technical Committee convened to review and provide guidance on ASSE professional certification programs related to water-based and hybrid fire protection systems. The meeting was chaired by Jeffrey Van Rhyn, with participation from committee members and additional attendees.

Certification statistics for the ASSE 15010 (inspection, testing and maintenance for water-based fire protection systems) exam were provided. There are 14 active schools/instructors/proctors; there were 93 new certifications issued (62 renewals; 838 total certifications; 24 expired); and no new schools/instructors/proctors were added since the last meeting.

The Test Development Subcommittee reviewed the ASSE 15010 exams and is considering adjustments to exam duration and item count. They also discussed allowing candidates to retake only failed sections of the written exam; staff will explore technical feasibility. A survey will be sent to schools to assess the appropriateness of current exam time limits.

Clarification was requested regarding NFPA 25 being listed twice in the standard. The Test Construction subcommittee will review this topic and report back to the full technical committee at the Mid-Year Meeting.

The updated ASSE 15000 program guidelines were approved and will take effect January 1, 2026. The technical committee was provided an update by John Higdon regarding ANSI Continuous maintenance.  The standards staff is currently finalizing internal requirements from ANSI and the approval is expected to be completed by Q1 2026.

The committee then moved on to the ASSE 27000 (Hybrid Fire Extinguishing Systems Personnel) program. No new certification data was provided due to inactivity in classes and new schools/instructors/proctors. Ken Schneider provided an update on the practical exam for the ASSE 27000, which has been developed. Work will soon begin on the new ASSE 27020 and ASSE 27030 standards once working groups are established.

It was noted that marketing materials are being updated to reflect changes in standards. All motions were approved unanimously, with no new business items brought to the Board.

Professional Qualifications Standards Committee
The committee reviewed the status of ASSE professional qualifications standards undergoing reaffirmation and revision. The standards under review include: 7000 (Residential Potable Water Fire Sprinkler System Installers & Inspectors for One- and Two-Family Dwellings), 9000 (Firestop Systems and Smoke-Limiting Materials for Piping Systems), 10000 (Green Plumbing Systems Installers), 12000 (Water Management and Infection Control Risk Assessment for Building Systems), 18000 (Fuel Gas Systems and Equipment Installers and Repairers), 19000 (Hydronic Systems), 21000 (Rainwater Catchment Systems Personnel), 22000 (Water Treatment Equipment Personnel), 27000 (Hybrid Fire Extinguishing Systems Personnel), and 29000 (Safe Pressure Testing of Piping Systems). These are all either in the process of reaffirmation, nearing completion of revision, or actively in development.

Following the review, the committee recommended that the Board of Directors initiate a revision of ASSE 15000 (Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems) and begin development of a new standard within the ASSE 28000 (Inspectors of CIPP [Cured-in-Place-Pipe] Rehabilitation of Plumbing Drainage Systems).

School Forum
This year’s School Forum was well attended and focused on supporting approved schools and addressing current challenges. Key topics discussed were updates on exam questions for the 5000 (Cross-Connection Control), 13000 (Service Plumber and Residential Mechanical Service Technician), and 15000 (Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems ) exams, new content available on the ASSE website, a review of the application processes for new schools, instructors, and proctors, and reminders regarding class applications, credentials, and staffing changes. The ASSE professional qualifications department remains available to assist new staff with training and testing process inquiries. New ideas proposed included a school portal for training directors and a school newsletter.

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Friday, September 19

Service Plumber (13000) Technical Committee
The committee approved both the agenda and the minutes from the April 2025 meeting. Members then received updates on certification and examination statistics. To support program promotion, truck stickers are now available for free on the ASSE Webstore (shipping costs apply), and targeted social media posts aimed at end-users have continued.

The exam question updates for the ASSE 13010 (Service Plumber) have been completed. Practical exams have also been revised and will be distributed to the committee for review and approval. Work is set to begin on the exam for the ASSE 13020 (Residential Mechanical Service Technician) and a subcommittee will be formed to support its development.

NFPA Sub-Committee
The NFPA Subcommittee was called to order by Chairman Jeff Van Rhyn, Jr. The committee reviewed the ASSE standards that could be included in NFPA codes and standards. ASSE 6000 (Medical Gas Systems Personnel) has already been adopted throughout NFPA 99. There may be an opportunity to include the ASSE 6000 in NFPA 55 and 70.

• ASSE 12000 (Water Management and Infection Control Risk Assessment for Building Systems): NFPA 25 is open. It will close on June 3, 2026.
• ASSE 15000 (Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems): NFPA 25 is open. It will close on June 3, 2026.
• ASSE 27000 (Hybrid Fire Extinguishing Systems Personnel): NFPA 770 closes June 1, 2028. NFPA 11 closes January 6, 2027.

The importance of ASSE having a presence at the NFPA Conference was discussed. There is a need for the committee to grow and bring in different areas of expertise to assist in future activities and strategies.

Code Development Committee
The Code Development Committee (CDC) was called to order by Chairman Jason Shank. The CDC discussed the new committee structure moving forward. The committee will be comprised of the following subcommittees:

• IAPMO: Daniel Rademacher is chair.
• ICC: Brannon Baxter is chair.
• NSPC: On hold.
• Canadian: Jamie McPherson is chair.
• NFPA: Jeff Van Rhyn is chair.

The chairs from the subcommittees will be members of the CDC main committee.

The committee reviewed the results from the IPC and UPC hearings and discussed future strategies for the code development process. The committee will review codes and proposed language for the 2030 codes. Submissions are due by January 2027.

Board of Directors Meeting
This open ASSE International Board of Directors Meeting included reports from committee chairs regarding their meetings held earlier in the week.

Business Session #2 and Award Ceremony
The second Business Session included an election of the ASSE International Officers and Directors, and the International President’s address.

The following were elected or re-elected to the ASSE International Board of Directors: Vincent Gallo IV, President (re-elected); Dana Colombo, Vice President; Jason Shank, Treasurer; John Sullivan, Northeastern Region Director; Brian Andersen, Western Director (re-elected); and Marcus Estrella, Manufacturers’ Representative.

The outgoing Board members are Chris Cheek, past Vice President; Doug Marian, past Treasurer; Gregory Beck, past Northeastern Region Director; and Thomas Lentine, past Manufacturers’ Representative. Thank you all for your service and dedication to ASSE International and our motto, “Prevention Rather Than Cure!”

Congratulations to President Vincent Gallo IV and our 2025-2026 ASSE International Board of Directors!

• International President: Vincent Gallo IV
• Vice President: Dana Colombo
• Immediate Past President: Daniel Rademacher
• Treasurer: Jason Shank
• Central Region Director: Brianne N. Hall, P.E., CPD, LEED AP BD+C, GGP
• Central Region Director: Kevin McDonough
• Northeastern Region Director: Doreen Cannon
• Northeastern Region Director: John Sullivan
• Southern Region Director: DJ Berger
• Southern Region Director: Joseph Cooper
• Western Region Director: Brian Andersen
• Western Region Director: Vince Kacaba
• Manufacturers’ Representative: Marcus Estrella

ASSE International Awards were also presented at this Business Session. So many ASSE International members and chapters contribute to our organization and are worthy of awards — congratulations to our 2025 ASSE International Award Winners!

Henry B. Davis Award: Doreen Cannon
Presented to a member who has contributed toward the advancement of sanitary engineering in accord with the ideals of ASSE International.

Fellow (FASSE) Award: Brianne N. Hall, P.E., CPD, LEED AP BD+C, GGP
Presented to members for their dedication and service to the organization.

Patrick J. Higgins Award: Brannon Baxter
Presented to individuals for outstanding contributions in the field of plumbing codes and standards, who demonstrate both knowledge and support of voluntary, consensus standards and their adoption into code.

Rand Ackroyd Award: Michael Lueck
Presented to an individual who has expressed a thorough knowledge and true dedication to the ASSE backflow program, or the backflow and associated industry by their efforts in protecting our drinking water through cross-connection control and education.

Dewey R. Dedrick Jr. Award: Canada Chapter
Chosen by the Board of Directors, the Dewey R. Dedrick, Jr. Award is presented to a chapter of ASSE International that has demonstrated enthusiasm and progress on the chapter level.

Most New Members Award: California Chapter

Also, congratulations to the American Society of Sanitary Engineering Scholarship Fund recipients! Paige Thompson, a Junior at the University of New Brunswick majoring in Sociology, was awarded the Sal Farruggia/ASSE International Scholarship; Jake Schreiner, a Sophomore at the University of Louisville majoring in Civil & Environmental Engineering, was awarded the Illinois Chapter Scholarship; Robert Munafo, a Junior at the University of Florida majoring in Mechanical Engineering, was awarded the Joseph S. Petro/ New York Chapter Scholarship; Alexander Prospal, a Sophomore at Case Western University majoring in Computer Science & Engineering, was awarded the Pennsylvania Chapter Scholarship; Kylie Hazard, a Freshman at the University of Montana majoring in Biochemistry/Forestry, was awarded the Florence Flader Memorial Scholarship; and Braden Hazard, a Junior at Baylor University majoring in Biochemistry, was awarded an ASSE International Scholarship.

Since its inception, the ASSE Scholarship Fund has awarded 229 scholarships totaling $505,550.

The American Society of Sanitary Engineering Scholarship Fund is an Ohio Nonprofit Corporation that exists separately and independently of the ASSE International Chapter of IAPMO, LLC. The Scholarship Fund is not an affiliate of ASSE International, nor is it an affiliate of IAPMO.

ASSE Closing Celebration
The Closing Celebration, sponsored by our friends at the UA Local Union 46 Training Department, was a rockin’ ending to a week of meetings and included food, cocktails, music, dancing, and a few “Freebird” air guitar solos.